Pablo Gonzalez is an upcoming researcher at the University of Victoria in Western Canada. He is currently completing a Master of Science in the Social Dimensions of Health program. He is a drug checking technician, harm reduction worker, support worker, researcher and paramedic.

Opioid-related overdose deaths in Canada, particularly in British Columbia (B.C.), have increased in the past decade mainly due to an unstable unregulated opioid market. While people who sell drugs are often viewed as contributors to the crisis, evidence indicates that some engage in harm reduction practices to protect their clients from risks associated with the volatile supply. This study examines the utilization of a drug checking service by drug sellers in B.C., exploring their motivations and examining information on samples intended for distribution. We analyzed intake survey data from individuals who accessed a free and anonymous drug checking service in Victoria, B.C., between July 2021 and July 2024. The survey provided statistics on visits, expected substances, sample results, potency, unexpected effects, and reasons for service use. Results suggest that a significant number of sellers continuously use these services, particularly for the analysis of opioid samples to mitigate risks including overdose. This study highlights a shift in perspective regarding people who sell drugs, providing evidence for their role as potential partners in drug checking services. By accessing drug checking to analyze substances intended for distribution, this subset of clients demonstrated the role of the service as a supply-focused intervention and provided evidence on protective strategies that sellers might take to protect customers within the complexities of the illicit drug landscape.